By Dwayne Ferreira.
England ended their first test against Pakistan at Headingley with a crushing innings victory. Pakistan bowled Pakistan out for just 135 in the second innings to take a 1-0 in the series.
England made a commanding start to Joe Root’s second spell as Test captain, demolishing Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs on Day 3 of the opening Test at Headingley.
Pakistan, already facing a daunting first-innings deficit of 238 runs, were bowled out for just 135 in their second innings as England’s pace attack completed a ruthless victory before tea. The result gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and extended their remarkable winning run at Headingley.
England had resumed the third morning on 366 for eight and added another 43 runs before being dismissed for 409. Jofra Archer provided a valuable late contribution of 23 not out, while Josh Tongue made eight.
The damage had largely been done on Day 2, however, with Harry Brook scoring a fluent 91 from 93 balls. Jordan Cox struck 73, Root contributed 66 and Dan Lawrence made 51 as England built a substantial advantage.
Pakistan spinner Ali Usman was the standout bowler for the visitors, finishing with five wickets for 95 runs.
Archer Strikes Early as Pakistan Collapse Again
Needing 238 runs merely to force England to bat again, Pakistan suffered an immediate setback.
Archer struck with only his fifth delivery, removing Imam-ul-Haq before Pakistan had been able to settle into their second innings.
The pressure intensified when Azan Awais was also dismissed cheaply. Abdullah Shafique, who had scored 61 in Pakistan’s first innings, then fell to Ollie Robinson shortly before lunch.
Pakistan entered the interval already staring at almost certain defeat.
Any hopes of prolonging the contest disappeared rapidly after lunch when Tongue tore through the middle order.
He removed Saud Shakeel for 14 before dismissing Shan Masood for 29 and stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha for one. Pakistan were suddenly reduced to 76 for six as England closed in on victory.
Rizwan Resistance Cannot Prevent Heavy Defeat
Mohammad Rizwan attempted to delay England’s celebrations with an attacking 41, but there was little meaningful support around him.
Robinson continued his impressive return to Test cricket by claiming three wickets for 29 in the innings, while Tongue also finished with three for 43.
Archer collected three wickets for 50, with Gus Atkinson taking the remaining wicket as Pakistan were dismissed for 135 from just 37.3 overs.
Tongue finished the match with eight wickets for 89 after taking five for 46 in Pakistan’s first innings. Robinson also claimed eight wickets in the match, producing career-best match figures of eight for 80.
Together, England’s seamers took all 20 Pakistan wickets across just 85 overs of batting.
Root Enjoys Perfect Return as Captain
The comprehensive victory provided the ideal beginning to Root’s return as permanent Test captain following a turbulent period for England.
England had entered the series after Ben Stokes stepped down as captain and Brendon McCullum departed his red-ball coaching role. Root responded by overseeing one of England’s most dominant Test performances in recent months.
Pakistan, meanwhile, were comprehensively outplayed in all three departments. Their first innings lasted only 48.1 overs before they were dismissed for 171, with Shafique’s 61 providing the only substantial resistance.
Tongue and Robinson took five wickets apiece in that innings before combining with Archer and Atkinson to destroy Pakistan for a second time.
England now travel to Lord’s knowing another victory in the second Test, beginning Thursday, would secure the series with a match to spare.
Match Scorecard
Pakistan (1st Innings) – 171 all out
Abdullah Shafique 61, Josh Tongue 5/46, Ollie Robinson 5/51
England (1st Innings) – 409 all out
Harry Brook 91, Jordan Cox 73, Joe Root 66, Ali Usman 5/95
Pakistan (2nd Innings) – 135 all out (37.3 overs)
Mohammad Rizwan 41, Shan Masood 29, Josh Tongue 3/43, Ollie Robinson 3/29
Player of the Match – Ollie Robinson (5/51 & 3/29)
ENGLAND WON BY AN INNINGS AND 103 RUNS
Series: England lead 1-0
